Tertiary education is extremely expensive and inaccessible for the majority of South Africans, yet it is absolutely required if you want to pursue a professional job in fields such as engineering, accounting, law, medicine, teaching, science, and others.
Of course, students may obtain a student loan from one of the major four banks (more information here), but after they have completed their education and secured employment, this money must be repaid (with interest). Another barrier to obtaining a student loan is that you must have a parent or guardian stand surety for you.
There is, however, another alternative for those who are financially challenged yet want to pursue postsecondary education, two methods to free education:
1) Bursaries
Bursaries are financial prizes given by private organizations, government departments, and educational institutions. They are awarded based on either academic achievement or financial necessity (and sometimes both).
These grants typically require students to “pay back” the bursary award by working for the supporting firm after they graduate.
Coverage varies each bursary program, but often includes tuition, registration costs, test fees, prescribed books and study materials, lodging, food, travel allowance, and, in some cases, a laptop computer.
Aside from financial assistance, many bursary providers also give students with mentors, holiday employment, and actual on-the-job training.
2) Funding from NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme)
The National Student Financial Aid System (NSFAS) is a student bursary and loan scheme run by the South African government and sponsored by the Department of Higher Education and Training.
The funds will be used to pay for tuition, books, housing, food, and travel expenses. NSFAS loans must be returned once a student has graduated from college or university and is permanently employed with a wage of at least R30 000 per year. TVET College students are not expected to repay their loans; instead, they get a stipend.
Students who wish to apply for NSFAS funding must be South African citizens, be able to demonstrate financial need using the NSFAS means test (except those who are currently receiving SASSA grants), have applied or intend to apply for studies at a TVET College or public university, and have a good academic record.
TVET College candidates must have completed Grades 9, 10, 11, or Matric, whereas University students must have completed Matric.
Students who are orphaned or have unemployed parents, as well as students from no-fee schools, may be able to apply.
